A previous court hearing had been told that there had been a deterioration in the medical condition of Eleanor Donaldson.

A lawyer said the court was waiting for an assessment over whether ex-DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife was fit to stand trial later this year.

Jeffrey Donaldson’s wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson is currently receiving medical treatment, Newry Crown Court heard.

At Newry Crown Court on Friday Judge Paul Ramsey granted an adjournment application on medical grounds.

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife both attended court ahead of a trial

Eleanor Donaldson is the co-accused in a historical sex offences case involving her husband, former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

He made a brief appearance before Newry Crown Court on Tuesday.

Gary Magee was told that his actions had been ‘highly reckless’.